Thursday 28 February 2013

I've Made a Sidewalk Shawl!!

Hello!  Well, thank you so much for all the lovely comments on my Waterlily blanket.  It is my most commented-on post ever!!  (Apart from giveaway posts, which don't count!)  It has been much used - I snuggle under it at every opportunity!

I've been a bit quiet since... but I have not been resting on my crocheting laurels... I've made a shawl!


Because I've always been a girl to wear a shawl... oh, wait... hmmm!  Well, despite never wearing shawls, I saw this pattern and couldn't resist making it!!  I even ordered the exact yarn the pattern says to use, which is very unusual for me - usually I find a cheap version somewhere!

And here are a series of photos of me modelling it for you - how very exciting for us all!  (Excuse my eye-bags, by the way - my face wasn't really cooperating that day - most inconvenient!  But we're here to look at the shawl...)




What do you reckon - does it look reasonably trendy, or completely granny-like??  I mean, when am I going to wear it?!?!



I am really pleased with it, though - I love the pattern.  I'd better wear it, as I started the damn thing three times!!!  The pattern says to make it with a 5mm crochet hook, so I obediently did what it said.  After 15 or 16 rows (there are 50 rows in total) I realised that the pineapple shapes were WAY too small, and that it was going to end up as a very small tight rigid little shawl.  This was already hours of work at this point, but I thought that I had to get this right.  So... let's try a bigger hook - 6.5mm this time.  After about 36 rows (YES, 36!!!!!) - let's not even think how many hours of my life that was - I realised it was still going to be too small!  I'd had suspicions earlier, but I'd already started again once.  I kept thinking, "it'll be alright, it's got to be alright".  But suddenly, I knew... I was never going to be happy with it like this!

Out came the 8mm hook, and I started all over again!!!!!!  This time the size was right.  Here is a picture of the three different attempts:


In the middle we have the 15/16 rows with the 5mm hook.  Underneath it, is the same number of rows with the 8mm hook - what a difference!  At the top is what I made with the 6.5mm hook.

The pattern is fantastic and easy to do.  You do need to concentrate, though, and you do need to keep using the pattern - it's not one that you can memorise after a few rows.

It's a design that definitely benefits from some blocking (again, something I very rarely bother with, but it was worth it)


The Facts:
Pattern: Sidewalk Shawl by Redheart.
Yarn: Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller - Bamboo Ewe: 5410 Mercury
Number of Balls:  Pattern says 6 balls, I used 5 complete balls.
Hook Size:  8mm (pattern says 5mm - I am quite a tight crocheter, but that is a ridiculous variance!)




16 comments:

  1. Maria this is incredible. And perfectly timed! The road my mom grew up on is celebrating it's anniversary in May and we're all going to dress up all old timey Irish for it, and my mom's been asking for a shawl pattern! YES. This is such a beautiful shawl. I can't wait to start!

    Can I ask - how long did it take you to crochet? And how long would you work on it per sitting? Thank you!

    xx A

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    1. Thanks Alex! It is actually makes up quite quickly (especially when you don't start it three times!)

      I'm trying to remember how long it took me from when I started with the 8mm hook - I think it was maybe 2 weeks - but not constantly working on it, a few hours here and there. I found it quite addictive, as it is fun to see the pineapples start to form. I reckon you'll definitely do it by May - no problems at all. Good luck!

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    2. Most excellent, that's just what I like to hear! 2 weeks will work a treat. I'm hoping to crochet an afghan for my brother in the mean time. I better get my ass in gear.

      Thanks for complimenting my pillows ;)

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  2. p.s. I didn't mean that to come across as me saying you look old timey. Guhhhh. I used to have a shawl like this and adored it, but I stupidly gave it away years ago. Because I'm an idiot.

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    Replies
    1. Well, I have certainly never been so offended in all my born days - how very dare you! ;o)

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  3. Wow, this is beautiful. Well done for persevering to get it right. So worth all your hard work. Looks great with your jeans and boots. BTW thanks for popping over to my blog and leaving lovely comment. Sam xox

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  4. Wow this is fabulous, I love the fact that you have made it your own look. Well done you, a brilliant job.

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  5. OMG I love this shawl. You are so so patient starting it three times over. Not sure I would have been so tolerant. However your efforts have really paid off. I hope you enjoy wearing it and get loads of compliments, x

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  6. You look just like the picture! ;-)
    It is beautiful. Nice to have you around the other day. Lovely to see the Waterlily and the Shawl in real life. Internet does not make things justice!

    Anna
    xx

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  7. I think it looks really trendy and not fuddy duddy at all! You look lovely in it! I've had my eye on this one for a while too... thinking I must get to it. Soon!

    S x

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  8. Wonderful stuff. Well done you for persevering and getting it the way you wanted it. Well wear. :)

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  9. Lovely makes and your shawl is so pretty!
    Happy Sunday!
    Susan x

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  10. It looks great! I made one last year but it still lies unfinished as I wasn't sure of the tassels and like you I don't think I've ever worn a shawl before. You've inspired me to finish mine off though x

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  11. In my opinion, it is both - trendy because it is granny. I am a big fan of mixing styles. Also, I am completely jealous that you can pull off such a great piece! Mad-crocheting skills.

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  12. This color suits you so much! beautiful shawl! To see more info please visit http://essayswriters.org/.

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